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Category: biotech/medical – Page 8

Evidence for improved DNA repair in the long-lived bowhead whale

At more than 200 years, the maximum lifespan of the bowhead whale exceeds that of all other mammals. The bowhead is also the second-largest animal on Earth1, reaching over 80,000 kg. Despite its very large number of cells and long lifespan, the bowhead is not highly cancer-prone, an incongruity termed Peto’s paradox2.

Here, to understand the mechanisms that underlie the cancer resistance of the bowhead whale, we examined the number of oncogenic hits required for malignant transformation of whale primary fibroblasts. Unexpectedly, bowhead whale fibroblasts required fewer oncogenic hits to undergo malignant transformation than human fibroblasts. However, bowhead whale cells exhibited enhanced DNA double-strand break repair capacity and fidelity, and lower mutation rates than cells of other mammals. We found the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein CIRBP to be highly expressed in bowhead fibroblasts and tissues.

Bowhead whale CIRBP enhanced both non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination repair in human cells, reduced micronuclei formation, promoted DNA end protection, and stimulated end joining in vitro. CIRBP overexpression in Drosophila extended lifespan and improved resistance to irradiation. These findings provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that, rather than relying on additional tumour suppressor genes to prevent oncogenesis3,4,5, the bowhead whale maintains genome integrity through enhanced DNA repair. This strategy, which does not eliminate damaged cells but faithfully repairs them, may be contributing to the exceptional longevity and low cancer incidence in the bowhead whale.

Analysis of the longest-lived mammal, the bowhead whale, reveals an improved ability to repair DNA breaks, mediated by high levels of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein.

P53 DNA Binding Cooperativity Is Essential for Apoptosis and Tumor Suppression In Vivo

(Cell Reports 3, 1512–1525; May 30, 2013)

In the originally published paper, the CC3 panel for the +/+ sample in Figure 6E was inadvertently duplicated from the TUNEL panel of the +/RR sample during figure assembly. The authors have retrieved the correct CC3 image for the +/+ sample and assembled a corrected version of Figure 6E, which is provided below. The authors apologize for the error.

Dietary restriction fuels T-cells with ketones, boosting their cancer-fighting stamina

Reducing calorie intake helps cancer-fighting immune cells do their jobs more effectively, reports a study by Van Andel Institute scientists and collaborators. The findings lay the groundwork for developing dietary strategies to boost the effects of a powerful class of cancer immunotherapies.

“Growing evidence suggests dietary restriction has anti-cancer effects but the ‘why and how’ are not well understood. Our new study reveals one way this relationship may work: by providing T cells, the soldiers of the immune system, with the right mix of nutrients to more effectively fight cancer,” said Russell Jones, Ph.D., chair of VAI’s Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming and corresponding author of the study.

“Additional research is needed but we are hopeful these insights can inform evidence-based dietary guidelines to improve the effectiveness of immune-based cancer treatments.”

Seasonal influenza

Seasonal influenza activity has increased globally in recent months, and influenza A(H3N2) viruses are predominant. This rise coincides with the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere. Epidemics and outbreaks of seasonal influenza and other circulating respiratory viruses can place significant pressure on healthcare systems. Although global activity remains within expected seasonal ranges, early increases and higher activity than typical at this time of year have been observed in some regions. Seasonal influenza could place significant pressure on healthcare systems even in non-temperate countries. Genetically drifted influenza A(H3N2) viruses, known as subclade K viruses, have been detected in many countries. While data on how well the vaccine works against clinical disease this season are still limited, vaccination is still expected to protect against severe illness and remains one of the most effective public health measures.

Surveillance

Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of year-round global surveillance to detect and monitor virological, epidemiological and clinical changes associated with emerging or circulating influenza viruses that may affect human health and timely virus sharing for risk assessment. Countries are encouraged to remain vigilant to the threat of influenza viruses and review any unusual epidemiological patterns.

A blood DNA methylation test reveals how quickly each organ system is aging

We developed a single blood-based methylation test that estimates biological aging across 11 physiological systems. This multisystem measure predicts mortality and health outcomes more precisely than existing epigenetic clocks, and reveals distinct aging patterns that could guide personalized gerotherapeutic and geroprotective interventions.

Scientists Extract Metabolic Molecules From Million-Year-Old Fossils for the First Time

Fossils can reveal far more than the shapes of ancient creatures. Molecules preserved inside old animal bones provide clues about past diseases, what those animals ate, and the climates they lived in. For the first time, researchers have examined metabolism-related molecules preserved in fossiliz

Identification of CDC25 as a Common Therapeutic Target for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

(Cell Reports 23, 112–126; April 3, 2018)

In the originally published version of this article on April 3, 2018, Figure 5C contained two representative images for each treatment condition. One image was inadvertently duplicated in the panel depicting the combined knockdown of CDC25a and CDC25b. The authors have reviewed the original experimental data and provided corrected images. The revised Figure 5C now accurately presents the results for MDA-MB-468 and BT549 cells following double transfection with CDC25a and CDC25b RNAi. The error and correction thereof do not affect the conclusions of the original manuscript. The authors sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or confusion that may have been caused.

Investigating the rise of early-onset cancer | Four Corners Documentary

Australians in their 30s and 40s are facing an alarming surge in cancer diagnoses and researchers are scrambling to understand why.

From bowel and breast to liver and kidney, aggressive cancers are hitting younger people; they’re often detected late, with devastating outcomes.

Dr Norman Swan investigates what’s behind the change.

Could it be ultra-processed foods, stress, or exposures dating back to childhood, even pregnancy?

He meets those grappling with a diagnosis and searching for answers.

Generation Cancer asks what can be done to curb the rise, and are we ready?

Continue reading “Investigating the rise of early-onset cancer | Four Corners Documentary” | >

A new tool is revealing the invisible networks inside cancer

Spanish researchers have created a powerful new open-source tool that helps uncover the hidden genetic networks driving cancer. Called RNACOREX, the software can analyze thousands of molecular interactions at once, revealing how genes communicate inside tumors and how those signals relate to patient survival. Tested across 13 different cancer types using international data, the tool matches the predictive power of advanced AI systems—while offering something rare in modern analytics: clear, interpretable explanations that help scientists understand why tumors behave the way they do.

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